February 20, 2026 · By the Uvoice team
If your organization already uses Microsoft Teams for video meetings and team chat, you've probably wondered: can we just make phone calls from Teams too? The answer is yes — and in 2026, there are more options than ever to make it work.
How Teams Phone Actually Works
Microsoft Teams on its own handles internal calls between Teams users. To make and receive calls from external phone numbers (customers, vendors, the general public), you need to add a voice calling capability. There are three main approaches:
Microsoft Calling Plans — Microsoft provides the phone numbers and PSTN connectivity directly. Simple to set up, but limited geographic availability, fewer features, and higher per-user costs at scale.
Operator Connect — A certified telecom provider (like Uvoice) connects your existing or new phone numbers to Teams through a managed integration. You get the reliability and feature set of a dedicated voice provider with the familiarity of the Teams interface.
Direct Routing — Your provider connects their SBC (Session Border Controller) to Teams, giving maximum flexibility. Best for complex deployments with multiple locations or specific compliance requirements.
Why Most Businesses Choose Operator Connect in 2026
Operator Connect has become the preferred option for SMBs because it combines the best of both worlds:
- Your team uses the Teams interface they already know
- You get enterprise-grade voice features (call queues, auto attendants, call recording, analytics)
- Your provider handles all the voice infrastructure and troubleshooting
- You keep existing phone numbers
- You get dedicated support from someone who understands voice — not just Teams
What Teams Phone Can't Do (That You Might Need)
Teams Phone works well for basic calling, but some businesses need capabilities that require a dedicated voice platform:
- Advanced call center features (skills-based routing, wallboards, workforce management)
- Complex multi-location call flows
- High-volume SMS/MMS from business numbers
- Analog device support (fax machines, elevator phones, door buzzers)
- Detailed call analytics and reporting beyond what Teams provides
In these cases, a side-by-side deployment — Teams for collaboration, dedicated UCaaS for voice — often makes more sense.
How Uvoice helps
We look at how your team actually works before recommending anything: some people want calls in Teams, others prefer a desk phone or the ConnectUC app. Either way we handle the setup, moving your numbers and the training, and we're here when something needs to change.